In the late summer of 2004 six people sat in a basement and decided to start an info shop/community center. The idea was to create a free space where people could safely read, speak, and think unconventional notions.

The five of us were extremely frustrated with the lie that we lived in a free, democratic society where freedom of speech was ranked number one. How could that be when we are constantly forced to choose from the limitations of dichotomies and get our information from one-sided viewpoints (in the form of a dichotomy)? One of the biggest mainstream, leftist voices is Michael Moore and all he had to say was "vote for Kerry."

We wanted all opinions not only to be heard, but be easily available. Where do you hear people supporting other forms of social structure like anarchy, or the importance of unions, or even the mass-murdering of other cultures (besides Iraq) at the hands of the U.S.? It's out there, but you really have to search. And, of course, these subjects are taboo because they threaten the elites capital. It threatens the pigs' on top wealth that WE work for. Which is all the more reason for it to be suppressed by them and exposed by us.

So in the center of conservative America, at the buckle of the bible belt, the literature committee of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) opened the first radical info. shop of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Now, the word radical is a dirty one, but it should be that way only to those in power. It's threatening to them because it is a word synonymous with other naughty terms such as "rebellious", "leftist", and even "communist." But by radical we only mean thought provoking, original, and idealist.

Just like most other youths of our generation we were broke, bored, stifled, yet energetic and looking for creative outlets. Also, just like other youths of our generation we were passionate and bright and determined.

Our only intention was to bring obscure literature and thought to the public so people could extend their social vocabulary. We have magazines that are put out by unions, for instance The Industrial Worker, which is the official paper of the IWW. Also, Anarcho-Syndicalist Review, Anarchy Magazine, The People, and Workers World just to name a few. our books' authors include members of the Black Panther Party including Angela Davis, Huey Newton, and Assata Shakur, as well as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Judith Butler, and yes, Michael Moore. You won't find most of this in any book store in this community. In fact, I went to both Barnes and Noble and Schuler’s to see what kind of diverse periodicals they carry and all I found was Diversity Inc which listed top 10 fortune 500 companies to work for if you're a minority and Black Enterprise which was obviously geared to black, middle America and how to make there bank accounts grow. The women's section of magazines was three, stacked rows of beauty publications, gossip, and "health". And by health they meant skinny.

Besides the wealth of underground literature carried, we also showed rare documentaries such as The Weather Underground, Jenin, Jenin, and Uncovered. You won't see these at Studio 28 or Star. Also we facilitated open discussions that would get networks shut down if they were to air.

We quickly gained friends from IGE, Wealthy Theater, and SEE TV who believed in what we were doing and wanted to collaborate there "radical" passions with us. And from that networking we were able to house other zealous guests and their works toward a better society. For example, a man showed the movie Being Caribou and had the audience write letters to representative Elhers to vote no on the budget reconciliation bill that would allow drilling in Alaska. It was Sabo's Info Shop that brought this man in from Ann Arbor who's concern might have otherwise never reached this part of the state.

Unfortunately, we've witnessed first hand the competitiveness that capitalism produces. The owner of our building has decided to squeeze us out bit by bit to promote his own agenda. Never mind that the literature committee got him that building, got out the buzz of the new space, and brought in the people. Never mind that we've always wanted to work in collaboration with his musical endeavors, only to have him turn his back on us and his own community. We've welcomed the public while he shuns them and puts bars on the windows. He turns his back on an offered hand shake from a black man, then turns back to watch him leave out of suspicion that he may steal. He claims to offer us autonomy, as long as we are constricted to basements and short shifts. He says he wants to help us with our dream as long as it doesn’t cohabitate near his. He says, “Find a better offer” as a fascist would, naïve to the fact that we control are own destiny.  And although he’s said, “Keep communication going.”  and “I want to be fair.”  his solution to conflict in carefully chosen terms is, “Go fuck yourself.”     

In writing this I am officially starting the Save Sabo's Campaign. We need money and volunteers, information, advice, and space for the new bigger and better Sabo's. Look for our events, look for our rants, flyers, and people. Wherever there's a rebellious act promoting freedom look for the black cat, Sabo. She's always lurking. We will not fail in our endeavors. Join us if you can.

Call Jackie at 616-828-8791 or Cole at 616-881-5263.